To me word studies are fascinating, both as to learning and as to amusement. In this brief I offer three words which have an obvious relationship.

BOND: (DESMOS) refers to anything for tying, or, “that which binds together.” In John 18:12, Jesus was “bound” by those who came to the Garden to arrest Him; His two hands were bound together. In Acts 16:26, “every one’s bands were loosed”; and, in Acts 26:29, Paul was in “bonds” before Agrippa. The word is also used figuratively. In Philippians 1:7, 13, 14, Paul uses the word three times, apparently referring to his imprisonment. Jesus used the word in Luke 13:16, to refer to the infirmities of the body. Peter, in Acts 8:23, told Simon that he was “in the bond of iniquity.” In Ephesians 4:3, the Ephesian Christians were told to endeavor to keep the unity of the Spirit “in the bond of peace.” Paul refers to himself as “an ambassador in bonds” for the gospel (Eph. 6:20). Whether referring to animate or inanimate objects the meaning is retained, a meaning which we should not forget — “that which binds together.”

BONDAGE: (DOULEIA) The word originally and primarily referred to “the condition of being a slave; “ but over time came to denote any kind of bondage. Vine lists the following as examples of this extended use: Creation (Rom. 8:21), fallen man (rom. 8:15), by the mosiac law (Gal. 4:24), to false teachers (Gal. 2:4), and under the elements of the world (Gal. 4:3). In Romans 6:18, instead of “servants,” it should be “bondservants” or “bondslaves.” Such servants or slaves would have no limitations on the type or time of their services; in this respect they would be as purchased slaves, to do the bidding of their master under all circumstances.

Those who would use 1 Corinthians 7:15, to show an additional reason for divorce, in using this word, make a mistake in doing so. Paul is simply showing that the wife (or husband) did not have to do the bidding of her mate, which would, no doubt, place restrictions on their efforts to serve the Lord. And, this could not be, if one was to place the Lord and His Cause first. This thought will be further seen in the consideration of our third word.

BONDMAN: (DOULOS). Vine says that this refers to “a slave, originally the lowest term in the scale of servitude.” He further says that it refers to “one who gives himself up to the will of another”(Rom. 6:17,20). In Romans 1:1, Paul calls himself the “bondslave of Jesus Christ.” This, of course, implies that he had been a bondslave of Satan, yielding his will to that of Satan.

Just how was this change brought about in Paul? He had been purchased by Jesus Christ (1 Cor. 6:19-20; Acts 20:28). So, now he is the “bondslave” of Jesus Christ, his new master; he is giving up his will to another (Christ). No limitations would be placed on the time and kind of service which he now shall render. Not only was Paul a purchased slave, but he was a willing slave; his new master, in the end, would give treasure untold. As it was with Paul, so it is to be with every Christian!

Now put our three words together: That which binds together, the condition of being a slave, then one who gives himself up to the will of another. Can there be a better explanation of being a Christian? I think not!